@Riley KuranishiI was mistaken in some of my posts, getting two distinct laws mixed up regarding the definition of service animal.

I always struggle answering the income question because there is or can be a distinct difference between my annual cash flow and what my CPA finally comes up with as my annual taxable income.  

Thanks @Joe Villeneuve, though to clarify the "flipping" I discussed is distinct from the 1-2-year hold.

I am a newcomer to real estate investing, and I'm willing to change my ideas if better options are available.3) Conventional mortgage aside, I am well-aware that all-cash buyers have a distinct advantage in moving quickly when deals become available, and all-cash is required on sites like auction.com.  

I don't know this for certain and recommend you contact and attorney for this but I think the distinction might be its fine if you are a partner in the deal or you are some sort of consultant if the work is in the project management. 

@Vincent ParelloMaintenance and CapEx are two distinctly separate line items.  

However, if things change and I am relocated in the near future, how does that affect the homestead distinction if I rent it out? 

Rich Ng I do not believe there is currently a distinction between the two hopefully lawmakers see this loophole of emotional support animals and close it because it is only hurting people who truly need service dogs

I think there is an important distinction to be made, that the people we know who were able to build wealth by investing in real estate likely did it slowly, over a long time - which doesn't let you quit your day job. 

But as far as the mold goes, there's a distinction you'll want to make between a home inspector, and a mold inspector: Not all home inspectors are authorized/qualified to do mold testing.